1️⃣ Why Reading Medication Labels Matters
Most medication labels contain a lot of information — but not all of it is easy to understand.
Knowing where to find active and inactive ingredients can help you avoid allergens and make safer medication choices.
2️⃣ Main Parts of a Medication Label
| Label Section | What It Tells You | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Brand & Generic Name | The medicine’s official names | Both may appear; always verify the active ingredient |
| Dosage Strength & Form | How much and what type (tablet, capsule, liquid) | Confirms you have the correct formulation |
| Active Ingredients | The chemical(s) that treat your condition | Must be identical across brand and generic versions |
| Inactive Ingredients | Fillers, binders, dyes, coatings | May differ by manufacturer and may include allergens |
| Manufacturer / Distributor | Who made or packaged the product | Helpful when comparing generics |
| Lot Number & Expiration Date | Traceability and safety information | Never use expired medication |
| Storage Instructions | Temperature or moisture limits | Ensures medication stability and potency |
3️⃣ Where to Find Inactive Ingredients
Prescription medications:
Listed on the pharmacy leaflet or package insert.
Over-the-counter products:
Usually found under Inactive ingredients near the bottom or side panel.
Manufacturers may abbreviate or rename compounds — for example, anhydrous lactose instead of milk-derived sugar.
4️⃣ Understanding Common Label Terms
| Label Term | Meaning |
|---|---|
| USP | United States Pharmacopeia grade — purity standard |
| Rx Only | Prescription required |
| NDC | National Drug Code — unique product identifier |
| Lot | Batch number used for recalls |
| Inactive Ingredients | Non-medicinal components such as fillers or dyes |
5️⃣ How PillParser Makes Labels Easier
PillParser pulls the active and inactive ingredients from publicly available medication labeling sources and displays them in a clear, readable format.
Then, instead of making you search the internet ingredient-by-ingredient, PillParser links you to educational pages that explain what common ingredients are used for and what they may be called on labels.
In other words:
Scan the medication → view the ingredient list → click to learn what each ingredient means.
This makes it easier to:
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Compare products and manufacturers
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Understand unfamiliar ingredient terms
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Research common fillers, dyes, coatings, and capsule materials in one place
To keep PillParser free, anonymous scans are limited.
6️⃣ Closing
Reading medication labels shouldn’t feel like deciphering chemistry.
PillParser turns complex ingredient data into clear, understandable information — so you can make informed decisions with confidence.
To keep PillParser free, anonymous scans are limited.